Greenhouse expansion readies first crop

Wednesday

Sep 3, 2014 at 8:30 AMSep 3, 2014 at 8:30 AM

By Don Reiddwreid@aol.comKINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, Canada ó The first harvest of tomatoes from the new Mastronardi greenhouse in Coldwater should begin in about seven weeks, according to a news release from the company.Dubbed Coldwater Farms by the Kingsville, Ontario, Canada-based greenhouse grower, the expanded operation in Coldwater has doubled its current growing acreage as completion of 30 more acres is finished, according to Mastronardi officials."The ability to grow fresh tomatoes in the middle of winter is something we are very proud of," chief executive officer Paul Mastronardi said. "This (expansion) means we continue to deliver the highest flavor possible while also reducing food miles."The first crop from the new hydroponic system will include tomatoes on the vine, beefsteak tomatoes and grape tomatoes. Retailers and consumers across the Midwest should have access to the Coldwater crop beginning in late October.Like the first 30-acre greenhouse in Coldwater, which produced its first crop in March 2012, the new greenhouse to the north of Fillmore Road uses energy curtains, grow lights, a diffused glass ceiling and water conservation measures."The diffused glass is pretty incredible because itís simple ó but so efficient," Christopher Gill, greenhouse operations director, said in the release. "When sunlight hits it, it gets distributed at different angles to cover the greenhouse with more light. This means that plants are more exposed to sunlight and take in more CO2 (carbon dioxide), which contributes to increased growth and better quality fruit year-round. Anywhere you stand in the greenhouse, youíll never see your shadow."Work started on the second tomato greenhouse in April. Also under construction on 100 acres to the south of the complex is a third, enclosed 28.8-acre greenhouse where the company plans to grow peppers.Work there began in July; company officials said if the crop of peppers was not planted by January the company would lose the entire first growing season.Unlike the two 30-acre greenhouses to the north, this new facility will not have grow lights. The new, 40-acre hydroponic farm will employ around 100 more people when in operation.